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Moses Obeid claims plot to destroy family

Adam Bennett

Claims that former NSW Labor minister Eric Roozendaal received a discounted car in return for political favours are part of a campaign to "destroy" the Obeids, a corruption inquiry has been told.

At the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Sydney, Moses Obeid accused a key witness of doctoring evidence against his family, including his father, former Labor MP Eddie Obeid.

The alleged action was part of a vendetta against the family over a soured business deal involving a Sydney marina development, Moses Obeid said.

Panelbeater Peter Fitzhenry, a one-time associate of the Obeids, last week told the ICAC that Moses Obeid had told him to find Mr Roozendaal a car in return for favours done for his father.

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On Monday, the flamboyant Mr Obeid repeated his family's version of the story of how Mr Roozendaal in 2007 came to own the new Honda CRV for just $34,000 - $10,800 less than its market value.

He said Mr Roozendaal, who is still a Labor backbencher, bought the Honda after Mr Obeid's friend and associate Rocco Triulcio had paid for the car, but refused delivery after a falling out with Mr Fitzhenry.

Describing Mr Obeid's account as rubbish, counsel assisting the inquiry Geoffrey Watson SC produced contracts and receipts from car dealer Peter Warren showing 'Amanda Rosendale' - a misspelling of the name of Mr Roozendaal's wife - was intended as the original owner.

However, the car was first registered in the name of Mr Triulcio's sister Nata Re, before ownership was eventually transferred back to Mrs Roozendaal weeks later.

In a bizarre outburst, Moses Obeid lashed out at his one-time friend and business associate Mr Fitzhenry, accusing him of doctoring the documents from Peter Warren with the help of "accomplices" at the Warwick Farm dealership.

"Your boy Fitzhenry has motive and he has form in doctoring evidence," Mr Obeid said.

"Peter Fitzhenry had said to a number or people that we both know that he would destroy the Obeids.

"Peter Fitzhenry, as a result of the fallout of Elizabeth Bay Marina, concocted some story. The entire story about the Roozendaal, Triulcio car and CRV, Honda-gate ... has been concocted as a get-square with me."

Mr Watson suggested: "The involvement of the Triulcios and Nata Re was just an elaborate concoction so that you could present a gift to Eric Roozendaal".

"You could suggest it but I don't agree with it," Mr Obeid replied.

"The idea of a gift for Eric Roozendaal - Eric's a great guy. I like him. I thought he was competent minister, but I don't think he did that good a job that he deserved gifts or bonuses."

Also appearing at the inquiry, a belligerent Eddie Obeid denied any knowledge of the car deal, saying he only found out about it when the matter was investigated by a newspaper years later.

The former Labor MP and party heavyweight also dismissed suggestions he had received any favours from Mr Roozendaal when he was roads or ports minister.